Phantasy Star Universe

When Phantasy Star Online arrived in 2000, it revolutionised online console gaming - it was the first team-based, online RPG a console platform had seen, but offline mode was pretty much non-existent, especially after experiencing the in-depth stories within the original Phantasy Star series.

While PSO was continually updated with fixes and new missions, as well as being released across many formats, it wasn't the true sequel fans wanted. During E3 2004, SEGA released a short trailer announcing Phantasy Star Universe, but teased as to what platforms it would release on and whether it would be a sequel to PSO, the PS series, or both.

A few years on, Phantasy Star Universe is finally here, packed with both online multiplayer as well as offline story modes, and released for three formats; PS2, PC and Xbox 360, which this review is based on.

"Rather than PSO's petite lobbies, PSU raises the bar with impressive, detailed lobbies full with tonnes of players"

While much has changed online, the core dynamics of the game are similar to Phantasy Star Online. Players still have to find other players to create a team before tackling the dangerous dungeons. What has changed is the scale of the game.

When first going online, the character creation screen appears and the user must select the type of character they wish to create. Currently Beast, Cast, Human and Newman are available but we wouldn't put it past Sonic Team to introduce more in the future. Once this has been done, it's time to customise the character.

While at first it feels similar to Phantasy Star Online, diving a little deeper reveals that there are many more customisable features, from selecting what kinds of voice they have, to various facial details. Clothes are another aspect; while initially the choice is limited, various new designs are made available (at a price) as players progress though the online mode. All players are given their own bedrooms in the game where they can chill out, prepare for battle or sort out their inventory.

"Undoubtedly, the biggest concern for most players will be the expensive monthly fee."

Rather than the petite Phantasy Star Online lobbies, Universe raises the bar with impressive, detailed lobbies filled with hundreds of players chatting, relaxing or preparing for the various quests. There are four main lobbies, one for each of the three planets as well as on the flying space colony. Each lobby holds various shops, services, entrances to dungeons and a spaceport to get you to other lobbies.

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